Nominations are now open for the 2014 Warrnambool and Moyne Youth Achiever Awards.

The awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and talent of young people aged 12-21 who contribute to our society in multiple domains.

Categories include sport, academics, arts and culture and community and leadership, as well as the overall winners and runners up.

Warrnambool City Youth Council Mayor Declan Primmer said that recognising and encouraging outstanding young people is important for the current and future prosperity of the region.

“The awards are good because youth do not often get a chance to be recognised for the good work they do, especially outside of school,” he said.

“It is an opportunity for young people to be recognised by their family, peers and the community in a number of categories.

“If you know an extraordinary young person, even if they do not think they are doing anything special, I would encourage you to nominate them.”

Moyne Shire Mayor Cr James Purcell said that he was excited that Moyne Shire Council continued to support the event.

“The Youth Achiever Awards inspire young people to achieve and contribute to community life, whether it be joining a youth reference group, doing voluntary work or helping organise an event for young people.”

“Our community has an enthusiastic army of young residents who contribute so much, I’d like to see as many of them as possible receiving nominations for these awards.”

Nominations close on Friday October 31 with an award ceremony to be held at the Lighthouse Theatre on February 18, 2015.